Role of Visual Dysfunction in Postural Control in Children with Cerebral Palsy

• Published in: Journal of neural transplantation & plasticity Vol. 2005; no. 2-3; pp. 205 - 210
• Main Authors: Porro, G, van der Linden, D, van Nieuwenhuizen, O, Wittebol-Post, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Hindawi Limiteds 2005; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Adolescent; Brain - abnormalities; Brain - pathology; Brain - physiopathology; Cerebral palsy; Cerebral Palsy - complications; Cerebral Palsy - physiopathology; Child; Child, Preschool; Head Movements - physiology; Humans; Infant; Movement Disorders - etiology; Movement Disorders - physiopathology; Ocular Motility Disorders - etiology; Ocular Motility Disorders - physiopathology; Posture; Psychomotor Performance - physiology; Retrospective Studies; Torticollis - etiology; Torticollis - physiopathology; Vision Disorders - etiology; Vision Disorders - physiopathology; Visual Pathways - abnormalities; Visual Pathways - pathology; Visual Pathways - physiopathology; Netherlands
• ISSN: 0792-8483; 2090-5904; 1687-5443
• DOI: 10.1155/NP.2005.205

Introduction: Deficient postural control is one of the key problems in cerebral palsy (CP). Little, however, is known about the specific nature of postural problems of children with CP, nor of the relation between abnormal posture and dysfunction of the visual system. Aim of the study: To provide additional information on the association of abnormalities in postural control and visual dysfunction of the anterior or posterior part of the visual system. Methods: Data resulting from ophthalmologic, orthoptic, neurological, neuro-radiological, and ethological investigations of more than 313 neurologically impaired children were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Abnormal postural control related to ocular and ocular motor disorders consisted of anomalous head control and subsequent abnormal head posture and torticollis. The abnormal postural control related to retrochiasmatical damage of the visual system consisted of a torticollis combined with adjustment of the upper part of the body, as if at the same time adapting to a combination of defects and optimizing residual visual functions. Conclusion: Visual dysfunctions play a distinct role in the postural control of children with CP.